It was an interesting day for football fans as day 11 of the world cup kicked off with several teams trying to grab a place in the tournament’s next round. Much drama erupted in the later stages of the day, with Messi’s Argentina qualifying comfortably as Poland depended on the result of Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia to qualify.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina was the day’s highlight, as a loss or draw would have harmed their chances of moving to the next stage of the competition. Their world cup group stage opening game ended in a defeat which had many doubting the world cup campaign of the Argentines.
In a hard-fought victory against Mexico, Messi and his teammates knew they needed to beat Poland or be denied entry to the round of 16. They did, and they will be playing with Australia on Saturday.
In the Poland vs. Argentina game, Lionel Messi initially missed a penalty. Poland’s goalkeeper was very effective during the match, which could have ended with more than four goals in favor of Argentina.
Earlier, Denmark had played with Australia, while Tunisia played with France. Denmark also needed a win, just like Argentina, to move on to the round of 16, but they lost to Australia. France had about 2 of their first eleven players in their lineup, with their substitutes playing most of the game. The likes of Mbappe, Dembele, and Kounde were rested for their next game.
Tunisia vs. France Highlights and Summary
France was trying to take risk management measures at the Qatar World Cup 2022 and so played their reserve players during their game with Tunisia.
Tunisia faces crossroads during the game. They came into the game with only one point, so they needed to win their game against France and hope that Denmark would draw with Australia. But Australia won against Denmark, which put them ahead of Denmark in the Group D table. France came first in the table, Australia second, Tunisia third, and Denmark stayed at the bottom.
The only goal that made the difference during the game was the one Khazri scored. Griezmann scored a goal, but a lengthy VAR check ruled it out for offside.
Lineups
Tunisia
(5-4-1): Dahmen; Kechrida, Talbi, Meriah, Ghandri, Maaloul; Skhiri, Laïdouni, B. Romdhane, B. Slimane; Khazri.
France
(4-3-3): Mandanda; Disasi, Konaté, Varane, Camavinga; Fofana, Tchouaméni, Veretout; Coman, Kolo Muani, Guendouzi
Goal:
Tunisia — Khazri
Australia vs. Denmark Highlights and Summary
For the second time in Australia’s history, they moved to the round of 16 of the world cup. The Qatar World Cup 2022 is filled with surprises as Denmark failed to qualify for the tournament’s next round.
The Danes required a victory to move to the next stage of the world cup, and so did Australia, who were surprised by Tunisia’s win against France. During the first half, Denmark had real chances to win the game, which they missed.
Australia had capitalized on a counterattack and held on to it till the game ended in their favor. Leckie was the one who scored the only goal of the game in the 60th minute, who slotted it home after he got a pass from a counterattack.
Lineups
Australia
(4-4-2): Ryan; Leckie, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Irwin, Mooy, Goodwin; Duke, McGree
Denmark
(4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Anderssen, Christensen, Maehle; Jensen, Hojberg; Eriksen, Olsen, Lindstrom; Braithwaite
Goals:
AUS – Mathew Leckie (60th min)
Mexico vs. Saudi Arabia Highlights And Summary
Saudi Arabia, after beating Argentina in their first game of the Qatar World Cup 2022, looked more disorganized. They put up a shambolic display against Mexico, who wanted to qualify by all means.
Mexico scored the first goal of the game immediately after the second half started ok the 47th minute before Luiz Chavez scored another one 5 minutes later in the 52nd minute. Mexico needed another goal to displace Poland from staying second on their group table. But that never happened as Saudi Arabia found its way back in the next after scoring a last-minute goal to end the game 2-1.
Immediately after the game, it was reported that the Mexico national football team coach resigned from his job following the elimination.
Lineups
Saudi Arabia
(4-1-4-1): Al-Owais; Al-Tambakti, Al-Bulaihi, Al-Amri, Abdulhamid; Al-Hassan; Al-Dawsari, Kanno, Al-Ghanam, Al-Buraikan; Al-Shehri.
Mexico
(4-3-3): Ochoa; Gallardo, Moreno, Montes, Sanchez; Chavez, Alvarez, Pineda; Vega, Lozano, Martin
Goals:
MEX – Henry Martin (47th min)
MEX – Luis Chavez (52nd min)
KSA – Salem Al-Dawsari (90th+5 min)
Poland vs. Argentina Highlights and Summary
Poland vs. Argentina game was the major highlight of the day as many stayed to see if Messi lost or won the game. It was a game that Argentina needed to win to remain in the Qatar World Cup 2022.
After losing their first world cup match, Messi and his teammates needed to win their games against Mexico and Poland. After a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Mexico, Lionel Messi and his team thoroughly outclassed Poland.
Messi missed a crucial penalty, with Poland’s shot-stopper putting up an impressive display at the goalpost. Nevertheless, goals from Mac-Allister and Julian Alvarez saw Argentina topping their group.
Lineups
Poland
(4-4-1-1): Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Kiwior, Cash; Frankowski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Zielinski; Swiderski; Lewandowski
Argentina
(4-3-3): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, Di María
Goals:
ARG — Mac Allister (46′)
ARG — Alvarez (68′)
Today’s Matches in Qatar World Cup 2022 (12/1/2022)
| Country | Group | Stadium |
| Croatia vs. Belgium | F | Al Bayt |
| Canada vs. Morocco | F | Khalifa International |
| Japan vs. Spain | E | Al Thumama |
| Costa Rica vs. Germany | E | Stadium 974 |